Arsenal bounced back from their last weekend’s harrowing defeat to Liverpool with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
After a drab first half, in which the Gunners had the better of it but failed to create many openings, it was Bukayo Saka who finally opened the scoring. The England international made Arsenal’s dominance pay off in the opening minutes of the second half by firing past Martin Dubravka.
The lead was doubled just after the hour when substitute Gabriel Martinelli netted with almost his first touch of the game. The victory helped Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal climb up to fifth spot on the Premier League table.
Arsenal Player Ratings vs Newcastle United
Aaron Ramsdale- 8/10
An outstanding stop from a long-range effort by Jonjo Shelvey in the first half was indicative of goalkeeper Ramsdale at the top of his game. A clean sheet after conceding four goals against Liverpool should lift his spirits.
Takehiro Tomiyasu- 8/10
Tomiyasu had the tough task of keeping Saint-Maximin at bay, and he did so well. Not only was he sound defensively, the Japanese was a constant threat going forward down the right flank. Picked up an assist for Martinelli’s goal.
Ben White- 7/10
White held his guns and did very well along with Gabriel at the back to neutralise the dual-threat of Wilson and Joelinton.
Gabriel Magalhaes- 7/10
Gabriel was better than his centre-back partner White, helping the Gunners to a clean sheet victory over Newcastle.
Nuno Tavares- 8/10
Struggled in the first half with some of his decision-making, but the Portuguese defender improved massively after the break. He was a constant threat down the left flank and provided a good assist for Saka’s opening goal.
Bukayo Saka- 8/10
Inarguably Arsenal’s best player on the pitch, Saka gave a torrid time to the Newcastle defenders with his pace, movement and dribbling skills in the first half. Drilled his goal past Dubravka after a neat build-up play in the 56th minute. Shame he had to go off shortly after picking up a knock.
Albert Sambi Lokonga- 7/10
A solid display in the middle of the park from Lokonga, who was always available to give and receive the ball and spread play.
Thomas Partey- 7/10
Alongside Lokonga in midfield, Partey helped Arsenal dominate the ball for large parts of the game. Played a couple of nice passes and kept things ticking over.
Martin Odegaard- 6/10
Tried hard to influence the game in the final third, but the Norwegian was afforded very little space from the Newcastle defenders. Some lovely touches and passes, though, and used the ball well. He had an excellent first-half free-kick saved very well by Dubravka.
Emile Smith Rowe- 6/10
Worked extremely hard and often looked to make things happen in the attacking third of the pitch. Smith Rowe dovetailed well with Saka for the opening goal and deserves half an assist, if there’s any term!
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang- 5/10
Aubameyang was far from his effective best and saw an effort from roughly two yards out bounce back off the outside of the post and away, which could go down as the miss of the season. He failed to make a positive impact and was replaced in the 76th minute by Lacazette.
Substitutes
Gabriel Martinelli- 7/10
Came on for Saka and scored moments later with practically his first touch. A fantastic, cushioned volley past Dubravka that gave another glimpse of the talent he possesses.
Alexandre Lacazette- 5/10
The Frenchman had little time to make an impact after replacing Aubameyang. Came close with an effort after Martinelli had cleverly played him in.
Mohamed Elneny- N/A
On for Partey with minutes to go to see off a comfortable afternoon for Arsenal.